how hot is too hot?

[macfarlane]

Hi folks,

On my XP Athlon 2400+ (o/c to 2.3 Ghz), I'm using Motherboard Probe to monitor CPU and motherboard temps.
Running an Arkua 7228 (7000rpm), I'm getting monitored temps of 37 C at idle and 41 C under load.
Not bad at all, right?
But...
An external thermal diode shows it at 58 C idle.
BTW, my BIOS hardware monitor shows the temps the same as MBProbe, which obviously tells me where it's getting it's info from.
So, what reading do I believe?
If the external diode is more accurate, obviously I need a better cooling solution for my CPU.
Any recommendations?
Thanks.

 

[jarsoffart]

AMD CPU's can go up to 90C before they start frying.

 

[macfarlane]

So in your opinion, which is the accurate measurement?

 

[blade]

That arkua isn't a bad heatsink at all. It's similar to the dr. thermal line of heatsinks. But the fan on that version is loud, as I know you know.

I believe your real temp is somehwere between the two highs you got. Most mobo monitors are rarely accurate. I have a temp probe attached to the underside of my cpu which is about the best way to keep an accurate track of temps. This way registers 3-5 c higher than what mobo monitor tells me.

Then again, some of the newer epox mobo's have a temp probe which actually touches the underside of the cpu.

 

[macfarlane]

Well, I ended buying and installing a Volcano 9 today.
Looks cool, but absolutely zero difference in temps, and pretty well just as loud as the Arkua 7228.
Hmmm...
Time for water cooling maybe??